ive been thinking about getting a cold air intake, but im not totally sure that i understand what they actually do. from what ive heard the minutely help hp, mpg, etc, and they make the engine sound nice? lol. and im not reallly wanting to spend $250+ on it so i was wondering if this cheapy would do. maybe with a k&n filter on it instead of the one it comes with?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-04...Q5fAccessories

 

Yes, you can use that one and put a K&N filter on it.

The CAI's do two things, first they allow the air to flow more freely through the intake and with less turbulence. The second thing is where the heatshield comes in, it helps keep the engine from sucking in its own hot air and colder air means more power.

 

^x2^ the colder air is more dense and more density means more air......more air = more HP!

 

Since the OP has a 2003 with the air intake box it does a pretty good job of isolating the incoming air from the engine heat plus he has a MAF sensor and an IAT sensor which determine the air/fuel mixture based on what they detect. I don't think a CAI is going to make a measureable difference in performance.

 

The CAI still flows more freely even if the IAT's don't change. I'd like to see a dyno run with and without the CAI.

 

Wouldn't we all.

 

I gained throttle response and about 1mpg and then an exhaust and it only got better. So much more responsive and any improvement in gas mileage was worth it for me. Im getting 2mpgs more now. Still 11-13 local but now 26-28 on the highway now.

Edit: Thats the exact same intake I have

 

looks a little cheap. Go with the spectre cold air intake off of jegs. It works great, sounds great, and noticable increase in HP.

heres mine,

 

just cut the air box, free, and it does boost the hp, not as much as a full cai, but hey im cheap lol

 

Speaking of this, does anyone know if the extra flow outweighs the timing lost and the fact that the air is less dense.